Why is this a problem?
Substitute refrigerants and oils · EPA 608 Core. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Why there are no true drop-in replacements, and fractionation in blends.
The question
A customer wants to switch an R-22 system to a replacement refrigerant by just adding it to the existing system. Why is this a problem?
- Replacement refrigerants are illegal to sell
- Only the manufacturer may change the refrigerant
- Replacement refrigerants always require a new compressor and coil
- No true drop-in exists; a retrofit usually needs other changesCorrect answer
Why “No true drop-in exists; a retrofit usually needs other changes” is correct
No substitute behaves exactly like the refrigerant it replaces. A retrofit, defined in 40 CFR 82.152, may require changing lubricants, gaskets, filters, driers, valves, O-rings or components so the system is compatible with the new refrigerant. The old refrigerant must also be recovered first.
Source: 40 CFR 82.152; EPA: Test Topics
Why the other answers are wrong
- Replacement refrigerants are illegal to sell — Substitute refrigerants are legal to sell to certified technicians.
- Only the manufacturer may change the refrigerant — Certified technicians perform retrofits; it is not limited to manufacturers.
- Replacement refrigerants always require a new compressor and coil — A retrofit may or may not need a new compressor; it depends on the system.
Practice more of this
More EPA 608 Core practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.
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